Spotlight on Michelle Murray of Interiors Etc
Bringing Personality, Function & Bold Design into Every Space
At Industrial Decor, we love highlighting the passionate creatives shaping the spaces we live in. Today, we’re thrilled to put the spotlight on Michelle Murray, the founder of Interiors Etc, a high-end interior design studio with 22 years of experience, and a whole lot of heart.
Michelle joined us live on Instagram recently (after some technical juggling!), and once we got connected, the conversation flowed and her deep passion for interior design shone through as she shared her approach to designing bespoke spaces that not only look stunning but also feel like home.
The Power of Personality in Interior Design
One of the standout themes from our chat was Michelle’s commitment to creating spaces that are not just beautiful but meaningful and functional. She emphasized how residential projects are especially close to her heart, because there’s nothing quite like seeing a client light up in a space that truly reflects who they are.
“Often we walk into homes that are completely beige,” Michelle noted, “and then the client is wearing a bold scarf or a red shirt. You realise they’ve been too afraid to bring their personality into their space.”
Her advice? Start small – bold scatter cushions, a vibrant rug, or statement artwork can do wonders to brighten a space and mood. And yes, even a playful red exit sign (like one we featured recently) can add a pop of personality, colour, and industrial charm all at once.
Trends: Moving Beyond Beige
For years, the trend has been neutrals, think Pinterest-perfect white, black, and beige. But Michelle is seeing a welcome shift: people are getting braver with colour. Whether it’s a bold wallpaper, painted feature wall, or jewel-toned décor accents, colour is making a comeback.
Importantly, Michelle stressed the balance between aesthetics and function. “People want beauty, but not just for the sake of it, they want spaces that support their lives.”
The Industrial Touch
Naturally, we had to ask Michelle about her thoughts on industrial style, and she didn’t disappoint. She lit up talking about vintage industrial design and its raw, grounded aesthetic.
“There’s something authentic about it,” she said. “You don’t want to overdo it (it’s not a factory) but touches like exposed metal beams, whitewashed brick, copper piping, or vintage signage can work beautifully, even in more sophisticated spaces.”
She described one project where structural changes meant adding a metal beam. Instead of hiding it, they embraced it, treating it with metal paint and making it part of the aesthetic. It’s that kind of design thinking we love at Industrial Decor: turning function into feature.
Practical Tips from Michelle
Here are a few gems Michelle shared that are easy to apply:
- Use Colour with Confidence: Start with accessories like scatter cushions, rugs, or art. Even a small dose of colour can transform a neutral space.
- Think Scale: Don’t shy away from large furniture in small spaces, but avoid blocking movement and doorways.
- Rethink Rugs: A rug should ground your seating area, not just sit under the coffee table. Let it extend under sofas to define and expand your space visually.
- Look Around You: Let your wardrobe inspire your interiors, your bold fashion choices can guide your home’s colour palette too.
Learn More from Michelle
Michelle is currently running a fantastic educational series on her Instagram account @interiors_etc . She breaks down the basics of interior design, from understanding the difference between decorators and designers to exploring elements like colour, pattern, and texture. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your home, it’s a must-follow for anyone interested in thoughtful, stylish design.
At Industrial Decor, we’re proud to connect with professionals like Michelle who bring vision, expertise, and personality into their projects. If you’re looking to infuse your space with character, especially with a touch of vintage industrial flair, be sure to check Michelle out, and our range of furniture and decor pieces that balance grit with beauty.
And keep an eye out for our next Designer Spotlight, because there’s so much we can learn from the creative minds shaping our environments.
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